How do people select pets from animal shelters?

Physical appearance and behavior are the biggest factors when it comes to pet adoptions, according to an ASPCA study.

What made you decide to adopt your shelter pet? If it was the pup’s floppy ears and soulful eyes or the kitten’s playful antics and affectionate purrs, you’re in the majority.

According to a new study by the ASPCA, “physical appearance” is the top reason for selecting a particular shelter dog, and “behavior with people” is the top response for choosing a certain cat.

The study was conducted from January to March 2011 at five animals shelters across the U.S., and roughly 1,500 pet adopters filled out questionnaires detailing how they knew their cat or dog was the right one for them. Read the full results of the study here.

The research supports previous findings that have shown that cats and dogs that approach the front of the cage when a person nears have a much greater chance of being adopted.

About 5 million to 7 million animals enter U.S. shelters each year, and 3 million to 4 million of them are euthanized, according to the ASPCA. However, the organization hopes that by understanding why people select certain animals, it’ll be able to increase adoption rates and decrease returns.

How do people select pets from animal shelters?

About Todd Shaw

I am my pets human. We get through life together and now we are on the internet together; with Pezoogle.com and News.Pezoogle.com taking up all of our free time and we love spending the time together.
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